As spring turns into summer, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” by Harry Styles feels like the kind of album you play with the windows down and nowhere to be.
Styles released his fourth album March 6, and fans were more than ready. I found myself refreshing Apple Music until the album finally appeared, and after a week of listening on repeat, I can confidently say it’s a no-skip album.
I’ve been a fan of Styles since his One Direction days, but I’m also willing to admit when something doesn’t land. My one critique of this album is that I wish Styles had written more songs on his own.
“Coming Up Roses” is the only track solely written by Styles, and it’s easily in my top three. His artistic ability and way with words stand out to his fans, which makes me wish we had more songs that were entirely his.
Not all critics agree with my praise of this album. Pitchfork described the album as “decaf dance-pop” and called it “unremarkable,” suggesting even its deeper themes fall flat. Similarly, The Everygirl writer Caitlin rated “Season Two Weight Loss” a one out of five, calling it a skip — though it’s actually one of my personal favorites.
“Season Two Weight Loss” stands out as one of my favorites because of its musical elements. The song has an energy that makes me feel like Troy Bolton in “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” — running, singing and bouncing off the walls. It’s the kind of track that gets you on your feet, but beneath that is a deeper meaning, with Styles questioning whether people will still love him as he grows and changes.
On the other hand, some outlets offered more positive takes. Vogue broke down each track by vibe, highlighting “Ready, Steady, Go!” as a future spring-to-summer anthem with a “gorgeous, aching chorus” that feels quintessentially Styles. I love their take on this song because it’s another song of his I can blare in my headphones as I lie out in the sun.
One of the strongest elements of this album is its emotional depth. Styles leans into a more mature perspective, reflecting on growing older, watching friends settle down, and navigating a completely different stage of life. It feels personal that fans get to see and hear the growth solely by listening to the lyrics of this album.
The album succeeds because of its emotional range. Each song brings a different feeling, which keeps the listening experience engaging. While some critics argue it lacks strong dance energy, I disagree — the album brings a lot more to the table than just dance.
“Paint By Numbers” is an exceptional track, especially for listeners who prefer some of Styles’ older music. The song stands beautifully on its own, and some fans speculate it may be about former bandmate Liam Payne, which adds another layer of meaning.
“It’s a lifetime of picking from one or the other / Kids with water guns, watch them run” is a lyric from “Paint By Numbers” that feels heartfelt when you think about Styles’ past. During their time in One Direction, the band was known for having fun on stage, often using water guns.
I’m not a disco expert, but you don’t need to like disco to enjoy this album. I listen to how music feels, not whether it perfectly fits a genre. Sometimes critics get caught up in expectations, especially when an artist tries something new.
Styles hasn’t released an album since his late 20s, and a lot can change in four years. Think back to who you were then — you’re likely not the same person. That’s why it’s so compelling to watch artists grow, because in many ways, it reflects your own growth too.
Styles has grown up in the public eye, and this album reflects that. He’s no longer the same teenager from his early career, and his music doesn’t need to stay the same either.
Overall, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” delivers the perfect summer atmosphere while showing a more reflective side of Styles. It’s a refreshing shift, and one that pays off.
When listening to this album, don’t go in with strict expectations. Let it be what it is — you might be surprised by what you end up loving.
